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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: cleaning down quilts after trip
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| Author | Message Text | ||
| tumblehome |
OCDave: "BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? " Hmm, for me I like to store my down sleeping bag on a shelf in my closet to breathe. Otherwise I fear that if there is anything funky in an airtight container, it has room to grow. :( I do wash my down sleeping bag on delicate every other season though I do not like to do this. I too wear undergarments whilst in my down sleeping bag. But I watched shows on TV that show all the stuff we humans slough off so even though I’m wearing smart wool, I know nasty stuff is slowly getting into my sleeping bag, thus the reason I wash the bag every so often. Clean Tom |
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| OCDave |
tumblehome: "OCDave: "BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? " My available storage options require my camping gear to be stored in a variably humid basement space. I've too many down quilts and sleeping bags and too small closets. The totes I use are the Clear Weathertight Totes from the container store. What goes in dry stays dry. I'd venture no more, if not less, opportunity for bacterial growth than in hanging in the bag. The totes come in a few sizes so it is easy to find one large enough that the down doesn't get compressed. No issues or concerns with my down gear after more than a decade of using this storage method. Dirty Dirty Dave |
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| DMan5501 |
BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? I prefer not doing a full on wash cycle since its down. Its not really that dirty (doesn't smell or anything) but I have spent about 12 nights in it so far this season with minimal bathing. I was thinking wiping down with a wipe or something like that wouldn't be a bad idea but I'm not sure if the chemicals in wipes are ok for the material (I've got hammock gear quilts). What do you guys do to keep your down quilts clean after a trip?" Ok, maybe I go to extremes BUT I try to avoid any skin contact with my quilt.. I wear appropriate long underwear for the temps, fleece sox, balaclava and lightweight glove liners... If possible I also hang my quilt and sleep system out during the day in camp.... and like others store the quilt in an extra large cloth bag.. Yup I do have a fear about washing the quilt!! DMan5501 |
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| bobbernumber3 |
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| ockycamper |
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| Argo |
Regarding cleaning, my twenty-two year old North Face bag has been through my top-loading washer numerous times and is still ticking. I know it's not advisable but I just thought I'd through it out there for those who may be panicking about doing this on a one-off or on an irregular basis. A trip to a laundromat may be the best option but it never seems to happen for me. I also throw several dryer balls into the dryer with it. |
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| BdubyaCA |
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| moosedoggie |
When the time comes, I intend to treat them like I used to sleeping bags. Very careful washing. |
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| boonie |
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| bhouse46 |
I hang to air out and assure thorough dryness, spot clean then store loose in a large bag. Enjoy the hang. |
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| OCDave |
BdubyaCA: "What do you guys do to clean down top/under quilts after a trip? " I simply air my quilts out to assure the are as dry as possible before storing in an airtight container. I abstain from washing my down unless absolutely unavoidable. I might consider a light spray with Febreeze or similar deodorant if needed. Alternatively, I might wipe the surface material with a damp rag to remove any obvious soiling or localized smell. I have not used but another smell mitigating strategy you might consider is storing quilts with a dryer-sheet. Good Luck |
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| fenrirrr |
End of season I may (or may not) bring quilts and sleeping bags to the laundromat and run through the larger machines per maker's instructions. As others suggested, best storage is uncompressed in a breathable sack/tote in a dry place in your home. |